Over 1,400 screened for HIV

Tribune news Service

Chandigarh, December 1

As many as 1,482 persons were screened for HIV, syphilis and non-communicable diseases at various locations in the city on World AIDS Day today.

Dr Vanita Gupta, project director, State Aids Control Society, Chandigarh, said a huge, joint push by all municipal councillors and the Health Department was made towards the goal, ‘End AIDS by 2030’. The theme was ‘Communities Make the Difference’.

On the directions of the Director, Health Services (DHS), Dr G Dewan, the city dispensaries and wellness centres remained open today and provided regular medical services, Dr Gupta said.

Persons implementing targeted interventions for high risk groups, laboratory personnel and staff of Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society were stationed at 27 locations across the city to cover the 26 municipal wards.

The dedicated work by the health centre staff and efforts of the municipal councillors made the day a success, she said and added that of the total 1,482 persons screened for HIV, syphilis, two were screened reactive for HIV and one for syphilis.

Mayor Rajesh Kalia, Dr G Dewan and Dr Vanita Gupta launched the campaign at Maloya dispensary. On the request of the Mayor, the DHS assured that health services would be further strengthened in the area by setting up a hospital and ensuring services by health providers in the evening also.

Twenty three municipal councillors personally visited the centres to ensure that maximum number of people derived benefit from the services.